Strengthening Women’s Leadership Across the Pacific

Representing the #FijiParliament are the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Fiji Group Chairperson and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, and the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu, who have joined women Members of Parliament and women leaders from Bougainville, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero (Nauru), Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

The three-day Wānanga is designed to strengthen women’s leadership by building confidence, knowledge and practical skills, while encouraging greater participation in elected leadership across the Pacific.

Through dialogue, peer learning, mentorship and engagement with the New Zealand Parliament, participants are exploring ways to advance inclusive leadership and strengthen democratic institutions across

the region.

The opening day featured an inspiring address by former New Zealand Minister and Assistant Speaker, Hon. Poto Williams, who encouraged participants to remain grounded in their values, lead with purpose and integrity, and use their positions to advocate for those whose voices are often unheard. Delegates also exchanged experiences from their respective legislatures, highlighting progress, challenges and opportunities to increase women’s representation and leadership throughout the Pacific.

A highlight of the opening day was a courtesy call by Rt Hon. Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua in her capacity as Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Fiji and New Zealand and underscored the importance of regional cooperation in promoting peace, democratic governance and sustainable development across the Pacific.

The Parliament of Fiji remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower women in leadership and strengthen collaboration among Pacific legislatures as we work collectively towards more inclusive, representative and resilient democracies.

The delegation was also accompanied by the First Secretary of the Fiji High Commission in Wellington, Mrs. Eileen Pickering.